William Kent led the world of art and design in Britain in
the second quarter of the eighteenth century, much to the frustration of rival
artists. Why was he so influential and controversial in creating a new style
for the Georgian age? In this lecture, Julius Bryant will discuss Kent’s
accomplishments—in painting, book illustration, interior design, furniture,
sculpture, silver, architecture, theater, costume, even designing a royal
barge—and also explore the ambitions of the era that shaped his success.

Julius Bryant is keeper of the Word & Image
Department at the Victoria and Albert Museum and co-curator of the William Kent
exhibition.